College offers safeguarding tips

As part of Calderdale Safeguarding Week, Paul Hutchison, Safeguarding Officer at Calderdale College has outlined his top 10 tips on staying safe:

1. If you are going out – always tell someone where you are going and what time you will be back.

2. If you are walking on your own at night – keep to well-lit and busy roads and paths. Carry a personal alarm, if you need to use it then set it off near the attackers ear.

3. Only use licensed taxi companies.

4. If you are worried about anyone, talk to a teacher, parent/carer, colleague, the Police or mentor.

5. If you feel you are in danger - let passers-by know. Make a fuss, scream and shout for help.

6. Trust yourself to know when something is wrong. If someone makes you feel unsafe, pressured or frightened, follow your instincts and seek help. If it doesn’t feel right, then it isn’t.

7. Be careful what information you put on your social media profile as your profile can be viewed by all. Make sure you have a look at the privacy settings and restrict information to friends and family.

8. Don’t trust people you don’t know, even if they seem friendly - and make sure you know who you are talking to online. Never give away personal details or agree to meet someone who you have only talked to online.